Can stress clog your arteries?

May 24 06:40 2024 Print This Article

Summary

Arterial blockages occur when fatty deposits build up and solidify in the arteries, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the organs and tissues in the body. These blockages are primarily caused by a bad diet, lack of exercise, Smoking, Family History, Diabetes and Hypertension but are accelerated by stress. Stress causes elevated levels of immune cells in the blood. These immune cells are released in anticipation of an injury or illness, as these are evolutionarily the reasons stress was created in the body. However, in modern times, stress is caused due to a variety of other external reasons. The excess immune cells then act on the regions of blockage and cause the arterial walls to thicken, narrowing the blood vessels even further. Arterial blockages are dangerous and must be treated promptly. The treatment method is usually based on the location of the blockage and its size. To prevent arterial blockages, heart specialists recommend following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine and avoiding smoking, control diabetes and hypertension.

Introduction to Arterial Blockages

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various muscles and organs in the body. This includes the blood vessels that provide oxygen-rich blood to the muscles of the heart as well. When fatty deposits and fibrous materials build up in the blood vessels and lead to “bottle-necks” and blockages in the arteries, it can lead to a potentially dangerous situation where the muscles and organs of the body don’t get the steady supply of oxygen-rich blood they need to function. In response to the build-up of plaque, the cells in the artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances which cause the walls of the arteries to thicken. This can actually clog the arteries more. Arterial blockages (also known as atherosclerosis) are a silent killer and in this article we will explore how they are caused, what the effect of stress can be on clogged arteries, and how we can prevent them.

What causes Arterial Blockages?

Arterial blockages occur when fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up inside the arteries and solidify to form plaque. Over time the plaque hardens, and constricts the blood vessel. This reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing into the vital organs and tissues, and also increases blood pressure and causes hypertension. The following factors contribute to the development of blockages in the arteries:

• High Cholesterol – Elevated levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol are a major cause, forming the bulk of the plaque that builds up in the arteries. A diet which is too high in saturated fats, trans fats and refined carbohydrates and lack of exercise contributes to this.
• Cigarette Smoking – Cigarette smoke is extremely harmful to the walls of the arteries. It damages the lining of the arteries, and creates crevices where plaque formation can begin easily. Tobacco smoke also promotes inflammation which narrows the arteries and further reduces blood flow to the vital organs and tissues.
• High Blood Pressure and Diabetes – High blood pressure and diabetes also damage the interior lining of the arteries making them more susceptible to plaque deposits.
• Obesity and Sedentary lifestyle – There is a strong correlation between a high waist-to-hip ratio and clogged arteries. Excess body weight and a sedentary lifestyle also increase your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Stressful lifestyle – Unmitigated, excessive stress in your day to day life can significantly increase the amount of plaque in the arteries and the rate at which it builds up.

Arterial Blockages – The stress factor

In the last 10 years, research connecting long-term physiological stress and cardiovascular disease has emerged with concrete evidence. The key, researchers have noted, is to do with immune cells that circulate in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that people who face multiple stressors, such as those who live through natural disasters or on extremely stressful due to various factors, are more likely to develop blockages in their arteries. In addition to fats and cholesterol, the plaque contains immune cells that cause inflammation in the artery walls. People who are under high levels of stress have naturally elevated levels of immune cells in the blood stream. In people who are under chronic stress due to external factors The excess immune cells end up combining with the LDL in the blood and cause plaque.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Can stress clog your arteries” is a resounding YES.

Dangers of Clogged Arteries

Arterial plaque build-up can create various complications based on where it accumulates:

• Coronary artery disease – Plaque build-up in the coronary arteries (which feed oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles) causes coronary artery disease. This can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Coronary artery disease can also cause heart attacks or sudden cardiac death.
• Carotid artery disease – The carotid artery supplies oxygen to the brain. Blockages in the carotid artery can lead to a stroke, where the brain is temporarily deprived of oxygen.
• Peripheral artery disease – Clogged arteries in the arms or legs can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness and reduce the body’s ability to heal wounds. Severe cases of peripheral artery disease can result in gangrene or amputation.
• Anuerysms – In certain cases, a clogged artery can weaken the arterial wall and cause a bulge. This forms an aneurysm. Aneurysms are dangerous as they can rupture and cause haemorrhage, stroke, brain damage or even death.
• Ischemic Organ Damage – Reduced blood flow to internal organs like the kidneys, liver or intestines can lead to organ dysfunction or organ failure.

Symptoms of Arterial Blockages

Typical symptoms of atherosclerosis include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of Breath
• Heart Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Abnormal sweating

In case the patient’s carotid artery is clogged, they may experience:

• Loss of sensation on one side of the body
• Loss of mobility in one arm or leg
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Slurred speech

A clogged peripheral artery could cause:

• Leg or arm pain
• Severe headache
• Cold hands and feet
• Gangrene

Diagnostic Tests for Clogged Arteries

Since symptoms of clogged arteries only begin to show once the condition has advanced, it is recommended to screen vulnerable patients for atherosclerosis. The following tests are useful in the diagnostic process:

• Cholesterol screening
• Chest X-ray
• CT Scan
• Doppler Ultrasound
• Cardiac Stress Test
• MRI
• Angiogram

Treatment Methods for Arterial Blockages

There are a variety of treatment options for arterial blockages. Based on the location of the blockage and the size, your heart doctor may prescribe one of the following treatment methods:

• Medication – The doctor may prescribe a combination of cholesterol-lowering medicine, blood pressure medicine, anti-coagulants or blood thinners and anti-platelet medicine to reduce clots. This approach is typically recommended to patients who have been diagnosed non critical blockage. These patients are not in the danger zone yet and hence the medication is sufficient to tackle the blockages in their arteries.
• Coronary angioplasty – Critical Blockages in the coronary arteries are very dangerous as they can restrict oxygen supplied to the heart muscle. This can result in a heart attack. In such cases, a coronary angioplasty or CABG may be recommended. This is a procedure in which a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessels of the heart. Once in place, a balloon attached to the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage. The expansion of the balloon creates a bigger opening in the blood vessel and restores adequate blood flow to the heart muscles. This is known as a balloon angioplasty procedure after that a stent may be placed. Other variations of this procedure include Atherectomy, Laser Angioplast
• Coronary Artery Bypass – Coronary bypass surgery is most often performed on patients with severe blockages of one or many coronary arteries. The procedure creates an alternate route for blood to flow by-passing a complete blockage in the coronary artery. During the surgery, a piece of healthy vein or artery from elsewhere in the body is grafted, attaching it to the blood vessel within
• Lifestyle Changes – Despite medication and surgical interventions, all patients diagnosed with arterial blockages need to make lifestyle changes to ensure the blockages do not get worse. If you do not have arterial blockages yet, these steps also act as a preventative measure to keep your arteries blockage-free. These include:
• Healthy diet – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, complex carbs and heart-healthy fats is recommended. Avoid trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol rich foods.
• Regularly Exercise –
• No Smoking – Quit smoking and avoid places where you could be exposed to second-hand smoke too.
• Maintain a healthy weight – If you are obese, it is important to get your body weight down into a healthy range for your age, gender and height.
• Regulate your blood sugar levels – Avoiding glucose spikes can help prevent diabetes, which is linked to atheroscelerosis as mentioned above.
• Blood Pressure- Maintain Blood Pressure in a normal range.
• Avoid Stress – Maintaining heart health is as much about good habits as it is about proper treatment.

While our best heart doctors in our branches like Salem and Chennai can provide comprehensive care and treatment plans for your heart conditions, it is equally crucial to manage stress levels effectively for a healthier heart. Stress-induced situations can trigger heart-related issues; hence, integrating good mental hygiene practices into your daily routine can dramatically affect heart health. Avoid stressful situations if you can afford to do so. We understand that most stressful situations are difficult to avoid so in such cases, support yourself with good mental hygiene Mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises have proven to be effective in reducing stress. Exercise, dance and music are also known to reduce stress. Make time for activities that you enjoy with the people you love. Practice a mindful approach to life, and let go of the illusion of control over the things you cannot control. Focus your energies on yourself and the things that are most important to you. Let your perfectionist tendencies go – You cannot make everyone happy!

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801